Composite Guardrail Posts and Composite Floor I-Joist

ABSTRACT

The first product is Composite Guardrail Post (CGP). CGP is designed overcome all these drawbacks by substituting standard timber posts with metal jacket composite posts. The second product is Composite Floor Joist (CFI). The current invention (CFI) is similar to TJI in concept, but uses all composite material for both flanges and webs. Also, the connections between flange and web are much stronger, enabling the development of composite actions to the fullest extent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to construction members, and more specifically, to composite guardrails posts and composite floor i-joist.

2. Background of the Invention

Traditionally, highway guardrail posts are constructed using pressure treated timbers of standard sizes. This traditional construction has several drawbacks. For example, shorter durability, lower capacity, and negative environmental impact.

Currently, the following types of floor joists are often used in light-framed structures in the United States: (1) Joists made directly used saw lumbers; (2) Joists made using engineered wood product. For examples, Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL), Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL), Glulams, etc.; (3) Metal stud joists of various cross section shapes; (4) Truss Joist 1-beams (TJI), which uses sawn lumbers as top and bottom flanges, and plywood as web plate. The flanges and web plate are stapled together. TJI is actually quite popular, especially in new constructions. While there were a few other composite floor joists invented during the past. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,584 by Armin Rudd in 2003 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,497 by Pekka Luotonen in 1981, these products had never prevailed in the market for some reasons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The first product is Composite Guardrail Post (CGP). CGP is designed overcome all these drawbacks by substituting standard timber posts with metal jacket composite posts. Not only will it last longer and look better, but also be very cost effective. The reasons are as the followings: (1) while traditional method required high quality timber and need to be treated using chemicals for erosion resistance, the new system can use recycled material which is cheaper and more environmentally friendly; (2) Since the composite mechanism can significantly increase the strength and ductility of the system, the required spacing of the posts can be increased, the result of which is less material (i.e. posts) be used for the same length of road way. (3) Because all holes and parts are pre-manufactured, field installation will be simple and fast, the results of which is higher product quality at less labor cost.

The second product is Composite Floor Hoist (CFI). The current invention (CFI) is similar to TJI in concept, but uses all composite material for both flanges and webs. Also, the connections between flange and web are much stronger, enabling the development of composite actions to the fullest extent. For the joist of the same cross sectional dimensions, CFI is expected to span much longer than TJI. Additionally, it will also have better fire and erosion resistance. When proper calking is applied, CFI can also be used at exterior as deck joists to substitute joists made of pressure treated saw lumbers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1: typical light duty single-sided highway guardrail system using composite posts and conventional steel guardrails.

FIG. 2: light duty single-sided highway guardrail system using composite posts and jacket plate composite guardrails.

FIG. 3: typical heavy duty double-sided highway guardrail system using composite posts and conventional steel guardrails.

FIG. 4: heavy duty double-sided highway guardrail system using composite posts and jacket plate composite guardrails.

FIG. 5: heavy duty double-sided highway guardrail system using composite posts and jacket plate composite guardrails.

FIGS. 6 and 7: metal jacket composite guardrail post component views—light duty single-sided guardrail post.

FIGS. 8 and 9: metal jacket composite guardrail post assembly—heavy duty double-sided guardrail.

FIG. 10: typical composite floor joist overall view.

FIGS. 11 and 12: composite floor joist component views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The first product is Composite Guardrail Post (CGP). Traditionally, highway guardrail posts are constructed using pressure treated timbers of standard sizes. This traditional construction has several drawbacks. For example, shorter durability, lower capacity, and negative environmental impact. CGP is designed overcome all these drawbacks by substituting standard timber posts with metal jacket composite posts. Not only will it last longer and look better, but also be very cost effective. The reasons are as the followings: (1) while traditional method required high quality timber and need to be treated using chemicals for erosion resistance, the new system can use recycled material which is cheaper and more environmental friendly; (2) Since the composite mechanism can significantly increase the strength and ductility of the system, the required spacing of the posts can be increased, the result of which is less material (i.e. posts) be used for the same length of road way. (3) Because all holes and parts are pre-manufactured, field installation will be simple and fast, the results of which is higher product quality at less labor cost.

The second product is Composite Floor Joist (CFI). Currently, the following types of floor joists are often used in light-framed structures in the United States: (1) Joists made directly used saw lumbers; (2) Joists made using engineered wood product. For examples, Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL), Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL), Glulams, etc.; (3) Metal stud joists of various cross section shapes; (4) Truss Joist 1-beams (TJI), which uses sawn lumbers as top and bottom flanges, and plywood as web plate. The flanges and web plate are stapled together. TJI is actually quite popular, especially in new constructions. While there were a few other composite floor joists invented during the past. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,584 by Armin Rudd in 2003 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,497 by Pekka Luotonen in 1981, these products had never prevailed in the market for some reasons. The current invention (CFI) is similar to TJI in concept, but uses all composite material for both flanges and webs. Also, the connections between flange and web are much stronger, enabling the development of composite actions to the fullest extent. For the joist of the same cross sectional dimensions, CFI is expected to span much longer than TJI. Additionally, it will also have better fire and erosion resistance. When proper calking is applied, CFI can also be used at exterior as deck joists to substitute joists made of pressure treated saw lumbers. 

1-4. (canceled)
 5. A composite guard rail post, comprising: a metal jacket composite post comprising a wooden post with a metal jacket; and a guard rail attach to the metal jacket composite post. 